PRIA Logo™
MississippiHB 19382026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Appropriation; Transportation, Department of.

Sponsored By: Karl Oliver (Republican)

Signed by Governor

Appropriations EAppropriations AAppropriations

Personalized for You

How does this bill affect your finances?

Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this bill means for your household, plus every other piece of legislation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.

Free to download

Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

7 provisions identified: 5 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.

Bill funds Mississippi roads and rail

For FY2027, the law provides $1.565 billion for Mississippi transportation, including $1.069 billion for construction and $325 million for maintenance. At least $80 million must pay for contracted road overlays and pavement repairs. The law adds $645 million for six transportation funds: $400 million for capacity projects, $40 million for infrastructure matching, $40 million for emergency roads and bridges, $40 million for multimodal projects, $75 million for Lafayette County, and $50 million for DeSoto County. The capacity and matching funds must follow project planning and cost rules; another $300,000 supports passenger rail development through June 30, 2027.

More flexibility for transportation funds

Starting July 1, 2026, the transportation department can accept up to $125 million in grants, donations, and contributions for operating costs. It can also spend up to $30 million in reimbursements for payments it made on federal projects. For FY2027, the department can shift up to 10% of program allocations, but it cannot increase Administration and Other Expenses or reduce Maintenance. The funds must follow state financial rules and applicable federal requirements.

Mixed pay rules for MDOT workers

For FY2027, the transportation department can spend up to $195.4 million on employee costs, including $1.65 million for approved salary progressions and $6.17 million to fill vacancies. The law allows 2,706 permanent positions and no time-limited positions, and limits how vacancy funds can be used. The department can add up to $2 million for documented overtime, subject to approval. Eligible engineers, maintenance workers, and construction workers can receive up to $200 per year for protective footwear; the law does not guarantee the full amount.

Funding for road safety and cleanup

For FY2027, the law directs $5 million to commercial transportation enforcement. It also provides $650,000 for the state beaver control program and $450,000 for statewide litter prevention. These funds support state programs, not direct household payments.

Money speeds Project Poppy services

For FY2027, up to $300,000 from the Project Poppy Fund pays for services to speed the project. The Treasurer’s Office decides how to allocate the money. The law does not specify a direct household benefit.

New purchase and phone reuse rules

Starting July 1, 2026, the transportation department must prefer Mississippi Industries for the Blind when competing bids match in price, quality, and service. A similar preference applies to purchases without competitive bids. The department can also send used, obsolete, or broken phones to programs that provide free phone access to U.S. military personnel. No service member is guaranteed a phone.

New checks on highway projects

Starting July 1, 2026, the transportation department must set and keep initial cost estimates for projects using FY2027 funds. Staff must approve and explain estimate changes in writing, and project accounts must include professional and technical contractor costs. The department cannot use this law’s funds for a new highway segment under 10 miles unless the Transportation Commission records a written justification. The Commission must notify legislative committee chairs within 10 working days.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Karl Oliver

    Republican • House

Cosponsors

  • William Tracy Arnold

    Republican • House

  • Randy P. Boyd

    Republican • House

  • John W. Hines, Sr.

    Democratic • House

  • Vince Mangold

    Republican • House

  • Steve Massengill

    Republican • House

  • John Read

    Republican • House

  • Rob Roberson

    Republican • House

  • Donnie Scoggin

    Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 343 • No: 0

House vote • 3/29/2026

Conference Report Adopted

Yes: 120 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/29/2026

Conference Report Adopted

Yes: 50 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/12/2026

Passed As Amended

Yes: 51 • No: 0

House vote • 2/19/2026

Passed

Yes: 122 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by Governor

    4/6/2026legislature

  2. Enrolled Bill Signed

    3/31/2026Senate

  3. Enrolled Bill Signed

    3/31/2026House

  4. Conference Report Adopted

    3/29/2026Senate

  5. Conference Report Adopted

    3/29/2026House

  6. Conference Report Filed

    3/27/2026Senate

  7. Conference Report Filed

    3/27/2026House

  8. Conferees Named Hopson,Thompson,Williams

    3/19/2026Senate

  9. Conferees Named Oliver,Cockerham,Massengill

    3/19/2026House

  10. Decline to Concur/Invite Conf

    3/18/2026House

  11. Returned For Concurrence

    3/13/2026Senate

  12. Passed As Amended

    3/12/2026Senate

  13. Amended

    3/12/2026Senate

  14. Title Suff Do Pass As Amended

    3/12/2026Senate

  15. Referred To Appropriations

    2/27/2026Senate

  16. Transmitted To Senate

    2/20/2026House

  17. Passed

    2/19/2026House

  18. Title Suff Do Pass

    2/18/2026House

  19. DR - TSDP: AP To A4

    2/18/2026House

  20. DR - TSDP: A4 To AP

    2/17/2026House

  21. Referred To Appropriations E;Appropriations A

    2/16/2026House

Bill Text

Related Bills

Back to State Legislation